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Religion Major

Become familiar with faith traditions and cultural influences throughout the world

Familiarity is a great first step toward increased understanding. Many world problems can be traced to a lack of knowledge and appreciation of people and cultures different from our own. Simpson religion majors use their knowledge in a variety of fields to help solve problems.

What will I learn?

You will learn how religious beliefs and customs affect nearly every aspect of life. You will be challenged to think beyond your set of personal beliefs.

This course provides a basic introduction to several major world religions, which may include Buddhism and Hinduism from the Eastern tradition and Judaism, Islam and Christianity from the Western tradition. You will become acquainted with foundational rituals, beliefs and literature of the traditions, as well as the comparative study of religion.

This course surveys sects with alternative understandings of Christianity's most basic beliefs, such as those about the nature of Christ, the meaning of his mission and the relationships between humanity and divinity, sin and salvation, and body and soul. It considers the means and methods of marginalization and its effects on a sect's self-perception and perceptions of the sacred. Particular emphasis is placed on the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

This course will rotate its focus depending on student interest. You will read selected biblical texts from a particular methodological or ideological perspective (e.g. ecological, post-colonial, form critical). You then complete a research project and present the results to the class and to a broader audience.

What courses would I take in this major? What would my four-year plan include? What opportunities outside of the classroom would benefit me?

What can I do with my degree?

Religion majors enter many professions. Some graduates pursue careers in ministry - including pastoral ministry, music and youth ministry, as well as pastoral counseling, law, government, public service, social work, business and teaching.

Des Moines Business Record "Forty Under 40"

Religion major to Des Moines Police Department

I liked having smaller class sizes and being able to have more one-on-one discussions with professors so they get to know you better. They understand what you might be going through as a student. The thing about Simpson, I just love the professors. The professors help bring a lot of life and color into their departments.

There is more to learn

Many Simpson students pursuing other majors take a religion course and become fascinated by all there is to learn and how the topics discussed relate to challenges facing us today. See all the opportunities the Department of Religion has to offer.